SALMON SUGGESTIONS 



particular case. Rules cannot be formulated ; skill 

 and judgment must govern. 



While the fish is in play, the single aim should 

 be to exhaust and bring him to gaff. You must 

 be careful to give him slack when he leaps, that he 

 may not shake out the hook, or break the leader 

 with his tail. You must judge what check to give 

 his rushes, and how much of the butt of the rod is 

 needed in all his freaks and doldrums. You must 

 care for the loose line during his inward runs, that 

 it may not be wound around a stone or sunken log. 

 You must know how to turn his courses and keen 

 him from perilous obstacles. All these and many 

 minor points must be acquired from tutorship and 

 practice. 



When casting from shore, it is advisable to have 

 a boat at hand to take, that you may properly con- 

 trol from it the line and manage the rushes. It is 

 believed by many that when a salmon sulks at the 

 bottom, it is for rest, and that he should be dislodged 

 with pole or stone. This is an error. He is 

 weakening constantly, and is safe in hand. Take 

 plenty of time in exhausting your fish. There is 

 danger in hurry and impatience as to gaffing. It 

 is best to land on the shore at the finish. Always 

 have a man to assist if possible. Occasionally one 

 is found who is a born gaffer, the knack coming to 



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